4-Day Yellowstone National Park Adventure from Bozeman

Day 1: Mammoth Hot Springs Exploration

Bozeman, MT to Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nova Cafe, Bozeman

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with farm-to-table dishes that fuel your adventure. Popular for their creative pancakes and fresh coffee.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Bozeman to Mammoth Hot Springs

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south through Gallatin National Forest leading to the northern entrance of Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs area.
USD35 (Park Entry Fee), 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Walk the boardwalks around impressive limestone terraces formed by hot spring mineral deposits, a geological wonder unique to Yellowstone.
Included with Park Entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Relax and have a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients with views of the terraces and nearby wildlife.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Albright Visitor Center and Historic Fort Yellowstone

Learn about park history and see exhibits about Yellowstone’s preservation, plus explore historic Fort Yellowstone buildings.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Wildlife watching in the nearby Gardner River area

Good chance for spotting elk, deer, and possibly bears in their natural environment along the Gardner River.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at The New Park Restaurant, Mammoth

Enjoy western style fare like elk burgers and trout in this cozy Yellowstone dining spot open until 8pm.
USD25, 1h

Day 2: Lamar Valley & Canyon Area

Yellowstone National Park, WY on June 6, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Mammoth General Store

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee on the go to maximize wildlife viewing time in Lamar Valley.
USD10, 30m

7:00am

Morning Wildlife Safari in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing area with chances to see wolves, bison, and bears during the morning active hours.
Included with Park Entry, 3h

10:30am

Drive to Canyon Village

Scenic 1h drive south toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, passing through rolling hills and forests rich with wildlife.
Included with Park Entry, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Canyon Lodge Eatery

Casual dining with variety including sandwiches and salads in the park’s largest lodging area.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Visit impressive viewpoints like Artist Point and Lookout Point to admire Yellowstone’s dramatic waterfall and canyon scenery.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Short hike to Uncle Tom’s Trail

Take a stairway descent for closer views of Lower Falls; physically demanding but rewarding experience.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Canyon Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy locally sourced dishes with regional specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

Day 3: Old Faithful & West Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, WY to West Yellowstone, MT on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Canyon Village

Fuel up with a breakfast buffet before heading to geyser activity area.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Watch the iconic Old Faithful erupt; eruptions occur approximately every 90 minutes, offering spectacular natural spectacle.
Included with Park Entry, 1h

9:30am

Walk Upper Geyser Basin Trail

Explore the boardwalks featuring numerous geysers and hot springs including Castle, Grand, and Riverside geysers.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill

Casual option offering burgers, salads, and quick bites with geyser views.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to West Yellowstone

30-minute drive to the convenient gateway town for shopping, museums and additional lodging options.
Free, 30m

1:30pm

Visit Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Explore this wildlife park dedicated to education and conservation of grizzly bears and wolves. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
USD16, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through West Yellowstone downtown

Enjoy shops, galleries, and local souvenir hunting in this charming town before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Madison Crossing Lounge

Savor refined comfort food and local brews in a lodge-style setting, open till 9pm.
USD30, 1h

Day 4: South Yellowstone & Return

Yellowstone National Park to Bozeman, MT on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in West Yellowstone at Running Bear Pancake House

Classic American breakfast with pancakes and eggs to start your day.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive South Loop: West Thumb Geyser Basin

Explore lakeside geysers and hot springs with spectacular views of Yellowstone Lake, open from 7am to sunset.
Included with Park Entry, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center

Learn about Yellowstone’s aquatic ecosystems with exhibits focused on native fish species, open 9am–5pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Drive back to Bozeman via Gardiner

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour scenic drive north through the park's northern gateway and Gallatin National Forest back to Bozeman.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Montana Ale Works, Bozeman

End your trip with a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of local beers paired with hearty dishes like bison burgers.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon stroll around Downtown Bozeman

Explore art galleries, boutiques, and enjoy the mountain town vibe before departure.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Trip Ends – prepare for departure or overnight in Bozeman

Reflect on your memorable Yellowstone adventure or rest for travel the following day.
Free, Flexible